Coverage of Democratic Issues in Addis Neger and Addis Zemen
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Date
2009-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study envisaged to assess and examine the nature and magnitude of the coverage of
democratic values/issues in two Ethiopian Amharic language newspapers: Addis Neger and
Addis Zemel!.
Content analysis was used as a main research tool. In-depth interviews were also made with
editors and journalists of the two newspapers. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were
employed to analyze the data. A chi-square test was also done to see whether there was a
significant difference between the two newspapers.
For gathering data through content analysis, 48 editions of newspapers (24 from each) ranging
from December 2007 to May 2008 were used as samples of the study. All stories that focused on
democratic values/issues (election, political parties/multi-party system, good governance and
human rights) were coded and their contents analyzed. The analysis was made based on the type,
theme, source, origin, placement and length of stories. The data found from the in-depth
interviews were used as a back up in the discussion and analysis part of the study.
In light of the Krowing demand and urge for democracy from within and outside, the findings
reveal that democratic values/issues were faded away with very little coverage in both
newspapers. Also, the contents of the articles/stories were found to be insufficiently
comprehensive and thorough to help readers get convenient and significant information. Most
stories aboul democratic values/issues were found to be hard news dealing with political
parties/multi-party system and election. Moreover, the sources used were mainly official ones.
Above all, the two newspapers failed to give prominence to stories about democratic
values/ issues. Many of the stories were found to be in the inside pages.
In terms of quantity, the chi-square test revealed that there is a significant difference in the
distribution of five categories between the two newspapers. No significant difference was found
with one category: placement of sto/y. Regardingfrequency of coverage, Addis Zemen was beller
almost in all categories except in the length of story.
In general, the results of this study indicate that Addis Neger and Addis Zemen gave limited
coverage to democratic values/ issues.
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Keywords
Coverage of Democratic Issues